Use of a dual priming oligonucleotide system to detect multiple sexually transmitted pathogens in clinical specimens

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate a new dual priming oligonucleotide (DPO)‐based multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detection of six sexually transmitted pathogens, including Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Trichomonas vaginalis. Methods and Results: Using 130 clinical specimens, the results obtained by the multiplex PCR, previously established in‐house PCR and COBAS Amplicor PCR assays were compared. The specimens frequently contained multiple pathogens (34/130 specimens). The multiplex PCR assay had an overall sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 100% compared to the in‐house PCR assay at >20 μg ml⁻¹ of DNA concentrations in samples and there was no cross‐reaction with nonpathogenic Neisseria species that cause the majority of false‐positive results with the COBAS Amplicor PCR assay. Conclusions: The DPO‐based multiplex PCR assay detected the six sexually transmitted pathogens in clinical specimens with a high sensitivity and specificity, although its sensitivity was dependent on the DNA content of the samples. Significance and Impact of the Study: It is the first report about the new DPO‐based technique to detect multiple sexually transmitted pathogens in a single assay, which has considerable potential to diagnose the infections accurately and rapidly.